Bella-Coco's Crochet Stitch Library: Book Review
Bella-Coco's Crochet Stitch Library: A Must-Have for Every Crocheter
Bella Coco's Crochet Stitch Library: My Top 100 Stitches, Borders and Motifs by Sarah-Jayne Fragola is a beautifully designed and incredibly useful book that should be on every crocheter’s shelf.
Whether you're looking to expand your skills, add unique textures to your projects, or simply enjoy experimenting with different techniques, a stitch library is more than just an invaluable resource. It's a personal collection of endless possibilities.
So, if you like to try new things with your hook and yarn, then this is the perfect resource. It's also beautifully curated, with Sarah-Jaynes's signature colour palette used throughout, making it both calming and pretty.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes this book fantastic, how it can help crocheters of all levels, and why it’s a great investment for your crochet adventures, because mastering new stitches is definitely one of the most rewarding parts of our crochet journey.
What Is a Crochet Stitch Library?
A crochet stitch library is a collection of different stitch patterns, borders, and motifs that crocheters can refer to for inspiration and guidance. They're a great way to add variety to crochet projects because you can infuse a personal touch by substituting your own favourite stitch patterns into your projects.
A stitch library acts as a reference book, helping you explore new textures and techniques while also improving your skills. Instead of searching the internet for tutorials or struggling to remember how to do a particular stitch, a stitch library gives you everything you need in one place. I have quite a few stitch libraries on my crochet book shelf, and I turn to them regularly, especially when I'm designing. I couldn't be without them because they're an essential tool for creating unique patterns.
Whether you want to embellish a simple design or experiment with new techniques, having a helpful stitch library at your fingertips can make all the difference.
Why Bella-Coco’s Crochet Stitch Library Stands Out
Sarah-Jayne Fragola, the creator behind Bella Coco Crochet, is well known for her clear, beginner-friendly tutorials and her signature soft, pastel-inspired colour palette. Her ability to break down complex stitches into easy-to-follow steps has made her one of the most trusted names in the crochet community.
This book is therefore an extension of her expertise, offering a structured, user-friendly approach to learning 100 stitches, decorative borders, and motifs.
The content is laid out in a way that makes it easy to navigate, whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced crocheter seeking inspiration for your next project.
And what's more, I have a special code for my newsletter subscribers for 25% off with Searchpress. See end of post for more details on how to grab your discount code.
What’s Inside the Book?
1. Crochet Stitches, Borders and Motifs
The book includes 75 different stitches, ranging from simple beginner-friendly designs to more intricate and textured patterns. Each stitch is presented with:
- Step-by-step written instructions
- Clear and detailed photographs
- Helpful tips for achieving the best results
- The multiples/repeats for that stitch pattern, so you can calculate how to work the pattern into an upcoming project.
2. Borders and Edgings
Finishing a project with a beautiful border can make a huge difference, and this book includes a small selection of Sarah-Jayne's favourite borders to complement different stitch patterns. Whether you want a simple, elegant edge or a more intricate design, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.
3. Motifs and Part-Motifs
Motifs are an excellent way to practice new stitches and create beautiful pieces that can be joined together for larger projects. This section includes 25 motifs and part-motifs, from classic granny squares to more modern, geometric designs.
4. Projects
Three gorgeous projects are provided, including a sampler blanket that utilises a variety of the stitches. These project provide a great way to apply your new-found knowledge and create something beautiful at the same time.
5. What You Need To Know Before You Begin
Everything you need to know to get started is included in a user-friendly way. Simple, clear and easy-to-follow instructions and invaluable advice for yarns and hooks needed, all about yarn and tension, step-by-step photos for visual aide, and all about blocking your work.
6. A User-Friendly Layout
One of the best features of this book is its easy-to-navigate structure. The stitches are categorised, making it simple to find what you’re looking for. Each page follows a consistent format, so you can quickly understand how to recreate each stitch without confusion.
7. Written In Both US and UK Crochet Terms
Bella Coco's Stitch Library includes both US terms AND UK terms. This makes it really versatile and user-friendly. US terms are given first, with UK terms in brackets.
Watch my video below for a peek inside. The video plays in page within Humix video player, but If you prefer, you can watch on YouTube here: Watch on YouTube
How You Can Use Bella-Coco's Crochet Stitch Library
Sarah-Jayne's book is more than just a reference guide - it’s a source of inspiration and creativity. Here are a variety of ways you can use it in your crochet projects:
- Learning new stitches – Use the book as a guide to expand your skills and try out different textures.
- Designing your own patterns – Mix and match stitches to create unique designs for blankets, scarves, and more.
- Enhancing existing projects – Add decorative borders or motifs to personalize your work.
- Building a stitch sampler – Practice different stitches by creating a sampler blanket or swatch book.
- Using up stash yarn – Many stitches work well for small projects, making it a great way to use up leftover yarn.
My Favourite Stitch: Basketweave
One of my personal favourite stitches in this book is the basketweave stitch. This beautifully textured stitch mimics the look of woven fabric, making it perfect for blankets, washcloths, and warm winter accessories. It’s a fantastic stitch for adding depth and structure to crochet projects.
If you want to try out this stitch in a practical crochet project, check out my FREE Weave Your Magic Washcloth pattern! It’s a great way to practice basketweave while making something useful.
Why This Book Belongs in Your Collection
If you’re a crocheter who loves to experiment, learn, and grow, Bella Coco’s Crochet Stitch Library is a must-have. Here’s why:
- Expert guidance – Sarah-Jayne’s clear instructions make learning easy.
- Beautiful visuals – The high-quality images help you understand each stitch at a glance.
- Inspiration for projects – Whether you’re designing your own patterns or looking for new ideas, this book is full of creative possibilities.
- Perfect for all levels – Whether you’re just starting or have years of experience, this book has something for everyone.
My Final Thoughts on Bella-Coco's Crochet Stitch Library
Bella Coco's Crochet Stitch Library is more than just a book - it’s a tool for growth, creativity, and inspiration. The combination of Sarah-Jayne Fragola’s expert guidance, beautiful photography, and well-structured content makes it an essential addition to any crocheter’s library. Whether you want to master new stitches, explore creative borders, or dive into motif-making, this book will help you take your crochet skills to the next level.
Have you used Bella Coco’s Crochet Stitch Library yet? What’s your favourite stitch from the book? Let me know in the comments below!
Take a Peek Inside The Pages
You can see more on Search Press website here: Look inside the book here
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